Automatic transfer board

Automatic transfer panels (TTA) are a very useful complement to generator

sets, in cases where a constant power supply is needed. The TTA will provide
comfort and security at the time of a failure in the external power network,
starting the equipment prior to engine preheating. The TTAs are programmable
according to needs, with their own power source to ensure their operation.
The automatic transfer board is a device that allows, in the event of a failure of
the external electrical power supply, to start the group, activate the contactors,
or transfer key (ATS) or motorized key corresponding to the external input and
give power to the of the internal generating set, after complying with the ignition
parameters provided for it.
The TTA performs the following series of actions chronologically in the event of
a power failure, to start the generating set:
1. Behavior in the event of an external power failure: The unit is monitoring
the presence of the mains input phases. Network supervision is carried
out by a control module in permanent mode and remains in standby
mode. (Automatic mode). It will be considered a failure of the external
power supply if there is a failure of the phases or only one of them.
2. Engine start: Upon failure, the control module connects the group and
then energizes the starter motor to begin the engine ignition sequence.
The engine starts and stabilizes at the established rpm (1500 or 1800
rpm) and the generator reaches the generation voltage.
3. Load transfer: When the voltage in the generator is adequate, load
transfer begins. The transfer control module proceeds to disconnect the
network and connect the group.
4. Waiting for external network normalization: Once the load transfer routine
is finished, the control module waits for the return of the external network
and permanently controls the normal operation of the generating set.
5. Reconnection to external network: When the return of the external
network is detected, the unit will wait for it to remain normal for a
programmable period. After this time, the group will be disconnected and
connected to the external network.
6. Completion of reconnection maneuver to external grid: Once the load is
returned to the External Grid, a programmed engine shutdown time will
be waited. This time is used to allow the engine temperature to drop due
to being without load before being stopped. After this time, contact will be
removed from the group, thus ending the transfer cycle due to failure in
the External Network supply. Once the group is shut down normally, the
system will remain on alert for a new transfer call.
The automatic transfer board has its own permanent 12/24 VDC power supply
made up of a floating bottom automatic charger. This ensures that the system
has stable power and adequate battery charges at startup. This guarantees that
the generator set and the TTA function correctly since in many cases if the
batteries are not in perfect condition, the panel supply voltage can fall below the
minimum allowed and generate failures.

In automatic transfers of up to 85 amperes, a set of interlocking contactors is

used (Fig. 1). For higher currents, transfer keys are used (Fig.2).

A transfer board or TTA is an accessory that is integrated into a generating set,

it acts jointly between the generating set or electrical generator and its electrical
panel. This TTA board commanded by an intelligent electronic module or panel
is responsible for commanding the generator and/or the electrical network,
connecting the circuits that you want to power during an electrical interruption,
and restoring the service when it returns to normal.
The primary job of TTAs is simply to switch power from the electrical grid or
generator set to your establishment or home.
A transfer or automatic switching board is constantly alert to failures in the
electrical network. When something outside of normal parameters happens, it
disconnects the electrical grid and turns on the backup power generator to
reliably and safely deliver the power necessary for your electrical demand to
continue normally. This is how the transfer board detects the power failure and
initiates the procedure to start the generating set without the need for activation
by an individual, since the process is automatic.
Why is a transfer board necessary?
An automatic transfer board is the safest way to directly connect the generator
to your industry, business or home, preventing human action from taking risks in
a sensitive maneuver. Precise, automatic actuation prevents feedback, which
occurs when power is restored.
Feedback can not only damage the generator, it can cause a fire.
At the same time, it provides the convenience of not having to worry about
starting the group since when it recognizes that there is no mains power it
automatically sends the signal to the logic of the generating set, automatically
putting itself into operation, a vice versa procedure when the mains supply is
restored. .
How does a transfer switch work?
Under normal circumstances, when external power is available, the Automatic
Transfer Board (TTA) senses normal line voltage and connects power to the
load through the Power Contactor. When a power outage occurs: the control
system will automatically initiate its generator start sequence, then switch the
load to the power supplied by the generator.
When external power returns: the TTA (automatic transfer board) verifies that
the voltage is adequate and subsequently begins the generator set shutdown
process.
The main switch on the transfer board switches the power source from the
power grid to the generator, thus preventing a group-grid current shock from
occurring.
An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is often installed where a backup generator
is located, so that the generator can provide temporary electrical power if the
power source fails.
An ATS can also command the backup generator to start, based on the
monitored voltage at the primary supply, the transfer switch isolates the backup
generator from the power company when the generator is on and providing
temporary power, the ability to Control of a transfer switch can be manual only,
or a combination of automatic and manual.
For example, in a home equipped with a backup generator and an ATS and a
power outage occurs, the ATS will tell the backup generator when to start, once
the ATS sees that the generator is ready to provide power. electrical, the ATS
breaks the home's connection from the power company and connects the
generator to the home's main electrical panel and the generator supplies power
to the home's electrical load, but is not connected to the electrical service lines.
When power returns for a minimum amount of time, the transfer switch will
transfer the house back to the power grid and the generator control will get the
command to shut down the generator. (Generation, 2015-2017)

Types of Transfer Boards:

 Automatic transfer boards

An Automatic Transfer Board (TTA) is a device that allows, in the event of a

failure of the external electrical energy supply, to start the backup electrical
plant. This device activates the motorized contactors or breakers corresponding
to the emergency input and provides power from the power plant, after
complying with the ignition guidelines provided for it.
A TTA is a very useful complement to your generator set or power plants, in
those cases where you need a constant power supply. This will provide you with
comfort and peace of mind at the time of a failure in the external power network,
starting the equipment; They are programmable according to needs, with their
own power source to ensure their operation.

The TTA carries out the following series of actions chronologically in the event
of an electrical failure, depending on starting the generating set:
1 – Behavior in the event of an external power failure.
2 – Engine start.
3 – Load transfer.
4 – Waiting for external network normalization.
5 – Reconnection to external network.
6 – Completion of reconnection maneuver to external network.
The TTA includes a button that allows the engine to be started without
performing any electrical charge transfer operation. It is useful to perform a
periodic manual test of the engine status, to detect anomalies in it and thus
know that it is functioning normally, when requested by an automatic transfer.
Each generator has its particular characteristics, which is why it is necessary to
adapt the TTA to each machine. Also each user has different needs.
(Generación, 2016).

 Elements that are part of a transfer board

Upgraded Automatic Gen-Set Transfer Switching Controller for Diesel or Gas
Generator with LED Display
EAOM-210 FD.S Automatic Upgraded Gen-Set Transfer Switching Controller
for Diesel or Gas Generator with LED Display
-Remote control via RS-232 bus mode or dial-up modem, -Authorize access,
secure communication, transfer -Automatic switching control and motor control,
-The last 50 events and alarm information, Full installations metering, energy
and power metering,
- Measurement of three-phase voltage and three-phase load voltage,
-Contactor relay outputs for network and generator, -Configurable 6 inputs and
2 outputs, -3 resistive transmitter inputs for oil pressure, temperature and level,
-Speed detection from alternator voltage or magnetic pickup,
-Selection of stop or fuel solenoid, -Maintenance attention (work hour or
elapsed month), -Exercise at scheduled time intervals,
-OFF, manual, automatic and test mode,
-Power measurement by kVA, kW, kVAr, kVAh, kWh, kVArh,
-Compatible with diesel or gas generators,
-144x204 mm size, Flat type
  Automatic switch

Automatic switch 3VT1 standard breaking capacity Icu=25kA, 415V AC 3 poles,

distribution protection overcurrent release TM, LI In=100A nominal current
IR=80...100A overload protection II=500...1000 A, short circuit protection
without auxiliary release without auxiliary/alarm switch

 Power supply
Characteristics:

High efficiency, long life and high reliability

Low DC ripple, high efficiency
Low operating temperature and long service life.
Excellent insulation property, high dielectric strength.
100% full load burning test
Dimension: 200*95*45

Entrance:
AC input voltage range (V): AC 110V/220V ±15% (switch replacement)
Input current (A): 6.5A/115V, 4A/230V
Frequency (Hz): 50/60Hz
Efficiency: 87% Typ (230VAC Full Load)
Starting current (A): cold start 25A/115V 50A/230V
Leakage current (mA): <3.5mA / 240VAC

Exit:
Output voltage (V): +24VDC
Voltage regulation: ±10%
Output current (A): 5A
Current Range (A): 0-5A
Rated power (W): 120W
Start time, standby time (ms): Tone≤200ms, Td≥30ms @ 230Vac Full Load
Rise Time (ms): Type: 100 ms at 230 Vac full load
Ripple/noise (mVp-p): 150mVp-p
Protection:
Over Voltage Protection: >115%-135% Rated Output Voltage
Overload protection: >105%-150% Automatic recovery
Short Circuit Protection: Latched

 Emergency stop button

An emergency stop button is a safety device from which the red mushroom-
head-shaped operator protrudes, which must be pressed manually only when
dangerous situations arise in a situation. machine or automated system.

Emergency stop buttons must be visible and easily accessible where they can
be easily reached by the operator.

They should always be red, mushroom head with a yellow circle on the lower
surface of all the buttons, the emergency stop buttons are the largest (most
visible), when activated (pressed) they open a normally closed contact, for
example. means of a mechanism remains interlocked (open).

The unlocking must be carried out once the contingency presented has been
analyzed and supervised and if the damage has been repaired.

In some cases it is necessary to use a key or turn the button to unlock.

Emergency stop buttons should only be operated under abnormal operating
conditions, and are intended to effectively stop equipment that is in operation,
and should not deactivate electromagnetic brakes or lighting equipment.

Emergency stops should never be used as normal stops in automated and

robotic equipment, since these have a series of stop buttons that stop part of
the processes and an emergency stop would stop abruptly, hitting the fine
precision mechanisms, losing the operation reliability.
We must remember that a machine must be stopped once a job has finished or
at the end of a maneuver by "pressing the stop button" in normal stop
conditions.
 The emergency stop should only be pressed in abnormal conditions, that is,
dangerous situations.

 Basic Transfer Unit

It is responsible for switching between the main power and the emergency
generator to power the load. Here we connect the power cables

In our case we have the model: 3VT9500-3MQ00

Motor drive with elastic force accumulator AC 230V/DC 220V
Trade name of the product SENTRON
Product designation Motorized drive
Product type 230 V AC/220 V DC
Net weight 4 487 g
  Micro switches:
Their function is to protect the different elements of the board and allow us to
simulate a total failure of one or more power phases directly on the board.

CONCLUSION
Transfer boards were defined as electrical switches that change a load between
two sources, in this case the generators of our substation, and operate when
they detect that there is an increase or decrease in power in one of them. We
learned that there are manual, automatic and synchronization transfer boards
and the operation of automatic transfer boards was known.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Generación, E. (2016). Electro Generación Río Grande. Recuperado el 07 de

03 de 2018, de http://electrogeneracion.com.mx/tableros-
transferencia.html
Generation, D. S. (2015-2017). DSG. Recuperado el 07 de 03 de 2018, de
nstalación, Asesoría y Venta de Plantas de Luz y Generadores
Eléctricos Industriales.: http://venta-deplantasdeluz.com.mx/que-es-
tablero-de-transferencia.html
PROVEJEC. (2015). PROVEJEC. Recuperado el 07 de 03 de 2018, de Grupos
Generadores, Tableros y UPS:
https://www.provejec.com/es/producto/tableros-de-transferencia